All Over Albany

The week ahead

Here are a few things to keep in mind, look forward to, or keep busy with this week, from the weather (not bad), to Hanukkah, to the Grinch, to the Nutcracker, to Kirsten Gillibrand, to comedy, to skating, to music...

Weather

Here's the paraphrased forecast for this week:

Monday: Cloudy, mid 40s.

Tuesday: Sun and 33.

Wednesday: Sun and 33.

Thursday: Some sun and 36.

Friday: Some sun, maybe some snow showers. Low 30s.

Not bad.

Hanukkah

The Jewish holiday Hanukkah started at sunset Sunday and runs through sundown on December 10. Hanukkah commemorates the re-dedication of the temple in Jerusalem in 165 BCE, and a miracle in which a supply of oil only large enough to burn for one night lasted for eight -- thus the eight nights of Hanukkah (and the tradition of eating fried foods).

Stage

Miss Bennett: Christmas at Pemberley
Tuesday-Sunday: The Rep continues its production of Miss Bennett: Christmas at Pemberley, based on characters from Pride and Prejudice. "In this charmingly imagined sequel to Jane Austen's masterwork, the ever-dependable Mary Bennet is growing tired of her role as dutiful middle sister in the face of her siblings' romantic escapades. When the family visits for Christmas, an unexpected guest sparks Mary's hopes for independence, an intellectual match -- and possibly even love?" Tuesday-Sunday various times -- $22 and up

Dr. Seuss' How The?Grinch?Stole Christmas! The Musical
Wednesday-Sunday: A touring production of the Dr. Seuss' How The?Grinch?Stole Christmas! The Musical is at Proctors. "[T]he record-setting Broadway holiday sensation which features the hit songs 'You're A Mean One Mr.?Grinch' and 'Welcome Christmas' from the original animated special." Wednesday-Sunday various times -- $20 and up

Arts and sciences

Aly Raisman
Monday: Olympic gymnast Aly Raisman will be at UAlbany's SEFCU Arena. Raisman will be talking about her memoir Fierce: How Competing for Myself Changed Everything. She's won six Olympic medals, including the team gold at both the 2012 London and 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics. And Raisman has also been outspoken about the abuse perpetrated by the USA Gymnastics team doctor and the need for change within the organization and the sport. Monday 7:30 pm (doors at 6:30 pm) -- free, but tickets are required

Susan Orlean
Tuesday: The Susan Orlean event at Northshire is sold out, but it sounds like there will be some standing room available. Tuesday 6 pm

Brass Tacks
Tuesday: The Brass Tacks poetry and spoken word series is back at The Low Beat. 7 pm

Startup Tech Valley
Wednesday: The Startup Tech Valley series is back at Revolution Hall in Troy with presentations from four startups. Wednesday 5:30 pm -- free, but registration required

Kirsten Gillibrand
Friday: Kirsten Gillibrand will be at UAlbany as part of the NYS Writers Institute visiting writers series. The Senator will be talking with Marion Roach Smith about her new children's book, Bold & Brave: Ten Heroes Who Won Women the Right to Vote. Friday 7:30 pm, downtown campus, page Hall -- free

Comedy

Carlos Mencia
Wednesday: Carlos Mencia will be at the Funny Bone at Crossgates for a stand-up show. Wednesday 7:30 pm -- $25

Maria Bamford
Thursday: Maria Bamford will be at the Funny Bone at Crossgates for a stand-up show. Thursday 7 pm -- $25

The Nutcracker

Wednesday:The Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker is at The Palace. "Presenting world class Russian artists, hand-painted sets, Russian Snow Maidens, and jubilant Nesting Dolls - Great Russian Nutcracker brings the Christmas spirit to life for all ages." Wednesday 7 pm -- $31 and up

Ice skating

Friday: The ice skating rink on the Empire State Plaza is now open for the season. The operating schedule is seven days a week (weather permitting) from noon-8 pm, closed daily from 3:30-4:30 pm for maintenance. It's free to skate. Skate rental is $4 for adults / $3 for kids 12 and under, and Saturday is free skate rental day.

Music

Monday: Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops Holiday Pops at Proctors
"Capturing the magic of the Christmas season and the winter charms of New England, the Boston Pops will perform their signature Sleigh Ride, as well as other Holiday classics, and new arrangements of seasonal favorites." 7:30 pm -- $25 and up

Tuesday: The Messiah at The Cathedral of All Saints
The 147th year of the performance by The Cathedral Choir of Men and Boys. 7 pm -- $30 / $25 seniors / $15 students / $10 under 12

Wednesday: Dave Matthews Band at TU Center
"The upcoming arena tour will feature a wide mixture of songs from throughout the band's career, including material from their new album Come Tomorrow." 7 pm -- $55 and up

Wednesday: Rodney Atkins at Troy Music Hall
GNA Presents Jingle Jam 2018. With: Craig Campbell, Vinnie Michaels Band. 7 pm -- $26

Wednesday: The Floozies at Lucky Strike Jupiter Hall
Electro funk. With: The Terminus Horns, Sodown. 8 pm -- $17

Thursday: Rubblebucket at Lucky Strike Jupiter Hall
Indie rock. With: And The Kids. 8 pm -- $18

Thursday: Brett Young at The Palace
Country. With: Tyler Rich, Rachel Wammack. 7:30 pm -- $29.50 and up

Thursday: Soweto Gospel Choir at Troy Music Hall
"Songs of the Free - in honor of Nelson Mandela's 100th Birthday." 7:30 pm -- $25 and up

Thursday: Cody Jinks at Upstate Concert Hall
Country. With: Steel Woods, Tennessee Jet. 8 pm -- $35 ahead / $40 day of

Thursday: Bill Kirchen's Honky Tonk Holiday at The Hangar
"Let Grammy nominated 'Titan of the telecaster' Bill Kirchen add some honky-tonk to your holidays!" 8 pm -- $20

Thursday: The Rebirth Brass Band at Putnam Place
"The Grammy Award-winning Rebirth Brass Band brings the music of New Orleans to Saratoga as part of the band's 35-year anniversary tour." With: Piggly Wigglies. 8:30 pm -- $25 ahead / $28 day of

Friday: The Gibson Brothers North Country Christmas at Proctors
"The Gibson Brothers North Country Christmas Shows have become a tradition in their hometown. This year they are taking this show on the road bringing family and friends along to celebrate the holidays with you." 7:30 pm -- $40

Friday: John Scofield's Combo 66 at The Egg
Jazz guitarist. 8 pm -- $36

Friday: Popa Chubby at The Upper Room
Blues guitarist. 8:30 pm -- $20

Friday: The Machine performs Pink Floyd at Upstate Concert Hall
30th anniversary show. 7 pm -- $20 ahead / $23 day of

Friday: David Mallett at Caffe Lena
"Singer-songwriter, David Mallett, is one of Americas true original troubadours." 8 pm -- $25

Friday: Chris Smither at Helsinki Hudson
Blues. 8 pm -- $25

Friday: Project/Object at Cohoes Music Hall
"Project/Object is the longest continually touring alumni-based Zappa tribute band in the world." 8 pm -- $22

Saturday: In Praise of Christmas at Old Songs
"A program of songs and carols from England, Wales, and Spain, all in English translations. " 7:30 pm -- $25 / $12 ages 13-18 / $5 ages 12 and under

Saturday: Cirque Musica Holiday presents Wonderland at The Palace
"[A] concert and visual experience where audiences will journey into a world of high-flying adventure with amazing acrobats, aerialists, hilarious hijinks and holiday cheer that is Wonderland." 7:30 pm -- $45 and up / $15 kids

Saturday: Turning of the Year: A Celtic Holiday Mini-Fest at Proctors
"[A]n intergenerational extravaganza of traditional Irish button accordion, Scottish & Cape Breton fiddle, guitars, mandolin and harmony singing!" An Eighth Step show. 7:30 pm -- $26 and up

Saturday: Smokepurpp at Lucky Strike Jupiter Hall
Rapper. With Johnny 2 Phones, Mahadhi Walker. 10 pm -- $35

Saturday: Blackberry Smoke at Upstate Concert Hall
Southern rock. 8 pm -- $29.50 ahead / $32 day of

Saturday: The Weight Band at Cohoes Music Hall
Featuring members of The Band, Levon Helm Band, and the Rick Danko Group. 8 pm -- $27

Saturday: Super 400 at The Hangar
"We're cooking up a good old time, gonna give you all a sonic squeeze and big love!" With: Motorbike. 8 pm -- $10 ahead / $12 at door

Saturday: Gratefully Yours at The Hollow
"The best Dead tribute band in the Northeast." With: The Kitchen Dwellers. 8 pm -- $12

Saturday: The Whiskey Treaty Roadshow at The Linda
Americana. With: Sam Luke Chase. 8 pm -- $20

Saturday: Ras Moshe at Sanctuary for Independent Media
"A multimedia performance of "Peace Be With You: Letters from Rap" with the Music Now! Unit." 7 pm -- $20

Saturday: The Western Den + Golden Oak at Caffe Lena
Folk + progressive roots. 8 pm -- $16

Sunday: Albany Pro Musica The Many Moods of Christmas at Troy Music Hall
"[T]his year's program will feature the sounds of Christmas from across the globe as well as traditional holiday favorites, including Tchaikovsky's classic The Nutcracker and The Many Moods of Christmas Suite IV by Robert Shaw and Robert Russell Bennett." 3 pm -- $25 and up

Sunday: Josh White, Jr. Christmas Spirit at Caffe Lena
"Josh White Jr. is a legend of American music, a TONY-award-winning actor, and a living link to the music and story of 20th century African-American activism." 7 pm -- $24

Sunday: James Taylor + Sally Taylor at MASS MoCA
Father and daughter benefit concert for arts education at the museum. 3 pm -- $100 and up

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These are a just a few things for this week, not a comprehensive list. Look for out "Stuff to do this weekend" list for the upcoming weekend on Friday.

Know of something people should be looking forward to this week? Please share!

Troy Music Hall and Northshire advertise on AOA, and AOA is a sponsor of the ESP ice rink.